Equipped And Called
The first time I stood in front of a crowd of women to teach a Bible study, I was so nervous!
My stomach was in knots, my knees were shaking beneath me, and my heart was pounding so loudly – I thought everyone in the room could hear it.
After 13 years of teaching the Bible to women, I can tell you this with absolute certainty: some things never change! I still get nervous every time I teach. I continually have knots in my stomach throughout my message, and the only time my knees are not shaking is when I am sitting down. Otherwise, all systems are a “go.”
The truth is – stepping out by faith to do what Jesus has called us to do 𝙞𝙨 scary at times. Jesus never promised us a fear-free existence. He never assured us that unpleasant feelings would never crop up. However, He did promise us that He would be with us always (Matthew 28:20) and would never forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), no matter what. That is comforting to know!
Maybe for you, Jesus is calling you to:⠀
Minister to that struggling mom at work
Sing on the worship team at church
Volunteer at a pregnancy center
Teach a Bible study to children or teenagers
Start a small group in your home⠀
Whatever Jesus has laid on your heart, Satan will inevitably bring your uncertainties and insecurities right to the surface. You will start asking yourself questions like, “What if I fail? What if I do something wrong and mess it all up? What if people laugh at me? What if I am rejected?” When that happens, it is easy to make excuses for not doing what Jesus has called you to – or question His calling altogether.
What I would tell you in those moments is: Jesus will never call you to do something He has not already equipped you to accomplish.
Take it from me, the most “second-guessing-myself” person on the planet: You can do this! Jesus is with you! The Holy Spirit will empower you once you yield yourself to Him by faith and take that first step. God is faithful!
So, what is holding you back from obeying God’s call today?